Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Instruction Formats and Navigation Aids in Mobile Devices

  • Conference paper
HCI and Usability for Education and Work (USAB 2008)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNPSE,volume 5298))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

Three different instruction formats were examined respecting their usefulness for the navigation through hierarchical menus in mobile phones. 56 middle-aged adults had to solve four mobile phone tasks twice consecutively. Before completing the first trial, they were supported by instruction formats which contained different spatial knowledge types [28]. The first form was a procedural step-by-step instruction delivering landmark and route knowledge. The second instruction consisted of a visualized menu tree, in which the menu path to be taken was marked. By this, mainly survey knowledge but also route information was provided. The third instruction format also used the visualized menu tree. However, in addition to the menu path which had to be taken, also functions’ labels were given, conveying landmark, route and survey knowledge. Further, a condition was examined in which no help was given. Dependent variables were navigation effectiveness and efficiency. Overall, the step-by-step condition, the instruction type most often used in technical leaflets, had the smallest effect, especially for users with low spatial visualization abilities. With instruction forms which use diagrammatic visualizations and provide survey knowledge, navigation performance considerably improved.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Argarwal, R., Prasad, J.: Are differences Germane to the acceptance of new Information technologies? Decision Sciences 30, 361–391 (1999)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Arning, K., Ziefle, M.: Cognitive and personal predictors for PDA navigation performance. Behaviour and Information Technology (in press)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Arning, K., Ziefle, M.: Assessing computer experience in older adults: Development and validation of a computer expertise questionnaire for older adults. Behaviour and Information Technology 27(1), 89–93 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Arning, K., Ziefle, M.: Understanding differences in PDA acceptance and performance. Computers in Human Behaviour 23(6), 2904–2927 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Arning, K., Ziefle, M.: Barriers of information access in small screen device applications: The relevance of user characteristics for a transgenerational design. In: Stephanidis, C., Pieper, M. (eds.) ERCIM Ws UI4ALL 2006. LNCS, vol. 4397, pp. 117–136. Springer, Heidelberg (2007)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  6. Bay, S.: Cellular phone manuals: Users’ benefit from spatial maps. In: Cockton, G., Korhonen, P. (eds.) Proc. SIGCHI 2003, pp. 662–663. ACM Press, New York (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Bay, S., Ziefle, M.: Design for all: User characteristics to be considered for the design of phones with hierarchical menu structures. In: Luczak, H., Zink, K.J. (eds.) Human Factors in Organizational Design and Management – VII, pp. 503–508. IEA Press, Santa Monica (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Bay, S., Ziefle, M.: Landmarks or surveys? The impact of different instructions on children’s performance in hierarchical menu structures. Computers in Human Behaviour 24(3), 1246–1274 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Billingsley, P.A.: Navigation through hierarchical menu structures: Does it help to have a map? In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 26th Annual Meeting, 1982, pp. 103–107 (1982)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Busch, T.: Gender differences in self-efficacy and attitudes toward computers. Journal of Educational Computing Research 12, 147–158 (1995)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Caroll, J.M., Mack, R.L.: Exploring a Word Processor. Human Computer Interaction 1, 283–307 (1985)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Downing, R.E., Moore, J.L., Brown, S.W.: The effects and interaction of spatial visualization and domain expertise on information seeking. Computers in Human Behaviour 21, 195–209 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Egan, D.: Individual Differences in Human-Computer-Interaction. In: Helander, M. (ed.) Handbook of Human-Computer-Interaction, pp. 543–568. Elsevier, Amsterdam (1988)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  14. Frese, M., Alrecht, K., Altmann, A., Lang, J., Van Papstein, P., Peyerl, R., Pruemper, J., Schulte-Goecking, H., Wankmueller, I., Wendel: The effects of an active development of the mental model in the training process: experimental results in a word processing system. Behaviour and Information Technology 7(3), 295–304 (1988)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Frese, M., Brodbeck, E., Heinbokel, T., Mooser, C.: Errors in training computer skills: On the positive function of errors. Human Computer Interaction 6(1), 77–93 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Gittler, G.: Three-dimensional Cube Test, Götingen, Germany, Beltz (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  17. Kim, H., Hirtle, S.C.: Spatial metaphors and disorientation in hypertext browsing. Behaviour and Information Technology 14(4), 239–250 (1995)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Leonhardt, S.: Personal health care devices. In: Mukherjee, S., Aarts, E., Roovers, R., Widdershoven, F. (eds.) AmIware: Hardware Technology Drivers of Ambient Intelligence, pp. 349–370. Springer, Dordrecht (2006)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  19. Lin, D.-Y.: Age differences in the performance of hypertext perusal. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomic Society 45th Annual Meeting, pp. 211–215. Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, Santa Monica (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Norman, K.L.: Spatial visualization - a gateway to computer-based technology. Journal of Special Education Technology 12(3), 195–206 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Pak, R.: A further examination of the influence of spatial abilities on computer task performance in younger and older adults. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 48th Annual Meeting, pp. 1551–1555. Human Factors Society, Santa Monica (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Park, D.C., Schwarz, N.: Cognitive Aging. Buchanan, Philadelphia (1999)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Prante, T., Streitz, N., Tandler, P.: Roomware: Computewrs disappear and Intreraction evolves. Computer 37(12), 47–54 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Rodger, J.A., Pendakhar, P.C.: A field study of the impact of gender and user’s technical experience on the performance of voice activated medical tracking application. International Journal of Human-Computer Studies 60, 529–544 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Rodriguez, M.A., Polson, P.G.: Creating usable wordless instructions for performing complex one-time tasks: Effects of violating the rules. In: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society 48th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, USA, pp. 941–945 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  26. Shiffler, G., Smulders, C., Correira, J.M., Hale, K., Hahn, W.M.: Gartner dataquest market databook (2005) (accessed September 2006), www.gartner.com

  27. Sein, M.K., Olfman, L., Bostrom, R.P., Davies, S.A.: Visualisation ability as a prediction of user learning success. International Journal of Man-Machine-Studies 39, 599–620 (1993)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Thorndyke, P.W., Goldin, S.: Spatial learning and reasoning skill In Spatial orientation. In: Pick, H.L., Acredolo, L.P. (eds.) Theory, research, and application, pp. 195–217. Plenum, New York (1983)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Tuomainen, K., Haapanen, S.: Needs of the active elderly for mobile phones. In: Stephanidis, C. (ed.) Universal access in HCI: Inclusive design in the information society, pp. 494–498. Mahwah, NJ (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Vicente, K.J., Hayes, B.C., Williges, R.C.: Assaying and isolating individual differences in searching a hierarchical files system. Human Factors 29(3), 349–359 (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  31. Westerman, S.J.: Individual differences in the use of command line and menu computer interfaces. International Journal of Human Computer Interaction 9(2), 183–198 (1997)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Ziefle, M.: The influence of user expertise and phone complexity on performance, ease of use and learnability of different mobile phones. Behaviour and Information Technology 21(5), 303–311 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Ziefle, M., Bodendieck, A., Kuenzer, A.: The impact of user characteristics on the utility of adaptive help systems. In: Khalid, H.M., Helander, M.G., Yeo, A.W. (eds.) Work with Computing Systems, pp. 71–76. Damai Sciences, Kuala Lumpur (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Ziefle, M., Bay, S.: Mental models of Cellular Phones Menu. Comparing older and younger users. In: Brewster, S., Dunlop, M. (eds.) Mobile HCI 2004. LNCS, vol. 3160, pp. 25–37. Springer, Heidelberg (2004)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  35. Ziefle, M., Bay, S.: How older adults meet cognitive complexity: Aging effects on the usability of different cellular phones. Behaviour & Information Technology 24(5), 375–389 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Ziefle, M., Schroeder, U., Strenk, J., Michel, T.: How young and older users master the use of hyperlinks in small screen devices. In: Proc. SIGCHI 2007, pp. 307–316. ACM Press, New York (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Ziefle, M., Bay, S.: How to overcome disorientation in mobile phone menus: A comparison of two different types of navigation aids. Human Computer Interaction 21(4), 393–432 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Ziefle, M., Bay, S., Schwade, A.: On keys’ meanings and modes: The impact of navigation key solutions on children’s efficiency using a mobile phone. Behaviour and Information Technology 25(5), 413–431 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Ziefle, M., Arning, K., Bay, S.: Cross-platform consistency and cognitive compatibility. In: Richter, K., Nichols, J., Gajos, K., Seffah, A. (eds.) The Many Faces of Consistency in Cross-Platform Design. CEUR-WS.org, pp. 75–81 (2006), http://CEUR-WS.org/Vol-198/

  40. Ziefle, M., Bay, S.: Transgenerational Designs in Mobile Technology. In: Lumsden, J. (ed.) Handbook of Research on User Interface Design and Evaluation for Mobile Technology, pp. 122–140. IGI Global (2008)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. HumTec, RWTH Aachen University, Theaterplatz 14, D-52062, Aachen, Germany

    Martina Ziefle

Authors
  1. Martina Ziefle
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation (IMI) Research Unit HCI4MED, Medical University Graz (MUG), Auenbruggerplatz 2/V, 8036, Graz, Austria

    Andreas Holzinger

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2008 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Ziefle, M. (2008). Instruction Formats and Navigation Aids in Mobile Devices. In: Holzinger, A. (eds) HCI and Usability for Education and Work. USAB 2008. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 5298. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-89350-9_24

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-89350-9_24

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-89349-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-89350-9

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation